Beauty Glossary (B)

Beauty terms & meanings from beeswax to botox

Black Haw ... Black Haw is a powerful relaxant and sedative used to combat dysmenorrhoea, false labor pains, and reduce blood pressure in hypertension.

• It may also be used as an anti-spasmodic, tonic, astringent, and an anti-inflammatory.
• Black Haw helps treat asthma, diarrhea and dysentery, jaundice, heart palpitations, female reproductive disorders and uterine congestion and inflammation

Black Cohosh ... Black Cohosh is a herb that has a powerful action when used as a relaxant and a normalizer of the female reproductive system.

• It may be used to combat painful or delayed menstruation and ovarian cramps or cramping pain in the womb.
• Black Cohosh is a natural supplier of estrogen and is helpful in the treatment of rheumatic pains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, and muscular and neurological pain.

Beeswax ... One of the oldest ingredients in cosmetic preparations, traditionally used as an emulsifier.

• Beeswax is an ingredient in moustache wax, as well as dreadlock wax.
• As a skin care product a German study found beeswax to be superior to similar barrier creams, such as mineral oil based creams like petroleum jelly.

Benzoyl ... Peroxide: An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments.

Bergamot ... This is an antiseptic and bacterial growth-inhibitor known for its toning, antiseptic and deodorizing qualities.

Beta carotene ... Orange colored plant pigments, used in the manufacture of vitamin A. Beta-Carotene is used to help in the following...

• Prevention against cancer and heart disease
• To slow the progression of cataracts
• To prevent macular degeneration
• To boost immunity
• To protect the skin against sunburn
• Ease Asthma
• Relieve Depression
• Parkinson’s disease
• Arthritis

Beta hydroxy ... An exfoliating agent with a smaller molecule size than the alpha hydroxy.

Beta-glucan ... A new ingredient derived from yeast, reported to enhance the skin natural defense mechanisms.

Bioflavonoid ... Plant derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Usually derived from citrus fruit rinds.

• Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Although not considered essential, they do support health as anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and anti-viral agents.
• As antioxidants some bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, protect LDL-cholesterol from oxidative damage. Others, such as the anthocyanidins from bilberry, may help protect the lens of the eye from cataracts. Preliminary evidence suggests that some bioflavonoids, such as naringenin, may have anti-cancer peoperties.

Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, Rutin, and Hesperidin are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate permeability. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular cement in healthy condition.

• Are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C
• Prevent Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation
• Are beneficial in hypertension
• Help hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections

Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruit. A deficiency in these nutrients can result in varicose veins, a tendency to bruise and bleed easily, and/or the appearance of purplish spots on the skin

Biotin ... Part of vitamin B complex. Involved in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Blackheads ... A term used to describe the skin's pores clogged by natural oils and impurities.

Botanical ... Refers to products derived from plants.

Botox ... Trade name for botulinum toxin. Used in tiny amounts, it can temporarily paralyze a muscle and reduce or eliminate wrinkles or frown lines without harm.

Clostridium botulinum, is the same toxin that causes a serious food poisoning called botulism.

Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including...

• Temporary removal of facial wrinkles
• Severe underarm sweating
• Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
• Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking
• Strabismus - misaligned eyes

Bronzers ... A synthetic preparation that causes the skin to darken or appeared tanned.

Buffer ... A pH balanced cleansing solution that improves the look and feel of the skin leaving it shiney and more supple.

Burdock ... A root extract with antibacterial properties. May also reduce inflammations such as rashes, redness, acne, eczema.

Butchers Broom ... Botanical extract used to improve circulation and reduce facial redness. Also believed to have anti-cellulite effects.

• Chemicals in butchers broom attach to and strengthen certain parts of blood vessels, notably collagen.
• Oral and topical butchers broom may also lessen cramps, itching, swelling, and other symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged.
• Butchers broom has also been used as a mild diuretic.
• Butchers broom may reduce orthostatic hypertension without raising blood pressure.